Carrera S gets big dose of refinement

Porsche’s seventh-generation Carrera S is longer and lower, and has a wider track and longer wheelbase than its predecessor. (Porsche)

There are few nameplates in history that have survived as long, and have evolved as gracefully as Porsche’s 911. After about a half century in production, the 911 has stayed true to form, and the fresh-design 2013 model continues the automaker’s original mission.

While the seventh-generation model upgrades are significant, seeing one doesn’t send a slap-you-in-the-face message it has received a long list of changes inside and out.

The Carrera S coupe test car – base priced at $96,400 — like its 911 Carrera sibling, is longer and lower, and has a wider track and longer wheelbase than its predecessor. Its resculpted body is made of an aluminum-steel composite that reduces weight by about 100 pounds. The roof, doors, hood and engine lid are made from aluminum. Porsche reports the new body’s front and rear lift have been reduced to nearly zero.

A front view shows off wider-arched fenders that accommodate the widened track, restyled headlamps, more-prominent air intakes and new mirrors, which are attached to the upper doors versus in the “V” near the lower A-pillars. This repositioning of the mirrors, Porsche reports, reduces wind noise and enhances the impression of width.

At the rear, there’s more definition. The most obvious change is the taillamp design, featuring trimmer LED lamps. The 911 also wears a wider spoiler for 2013. As in the past, double-barreled dual exhausts lead to the six-cylinder boxer powerplant.

Power is sent to the Carrera S’s 20-inch rear wheels by an upgraded 3.8-liter engine that delivers 400 horsepower at 7,400 rpm (vs. the previous 385) and 325 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,600 rpm. Transmission mates are either the seven-speed manual — a world’s first for a passenger car — or a $4,080 Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission that can be left in automatic mode or shifted with the gear selector, steering wheel-mounted switches or paddles.

The center console makes a long, high slant from the dash to the center armrest. It’s home for the higher-positioned shift lever and an array of easier-to-reach controls. (Porsche)

With the help of standard Auto Stop/Start technology, the Carrera S gets an estimated combined city/highway fuel economy of 22 miles per gallon. Porsche recommends its 16.9-gallon tank be filled with premium-unleaded fuel.

A performance edge can be added with a $1,850 Sport Chrono Package, which, among a list of performance advantages, features a Sport Plus button that adjusts the engine and transmission for high-performance driving by affecting gearshift parameters (PDK), throttle characteristics (including faster launch) and sport exhaust system. For models equipped with the optional $4,050 Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control with PASM sport suspension, the damping is firmer and creates more-direct steering feel.

The Carrera S and 911 Carrera are the first Porsches to be equipped with electro-mechanical power steering, which provides a precise feel and draws electrical power only when needed.
With the Sport Chrono Package and PDK transmission, the Carrera S blasts from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and to a 187-mph top track speed.

Piloting the new Carrera S, the performance character is still patented Porsche — smooth, powerful and precise — but is markedly enhanced. Similarly, the new-design interior has a familiar Porsche feel, but with an obvious boost in refinement.

The dashboard maintains its clean, simple design, but there’s a bit more substance and elegance to it. Keeping with tradition, the tachometer is the prominent center-positioned gauge and the ignition switch is accessed on the driver’s left. The center console is more-impressive looking, making a long, high slant from the dash to the center armrest. It’s home for the higher-positioned shift lever and an array of easier-to-reach controls.

Occupants are cradled in new-design leather-clad sport seats with four-way power adjustability.
Sitting in a new Carrera S, there’s no doubting you’re in a Porsche. It has a distinctive character that’s been around for decades, but with a healthy boost in overall refinement contributing to greater poise and performance.

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Power is sent to the 2013 Carrera S’s 20-inch rear wheels by a 400-horsepower 3.8-liter flat-six engine. (Porsche)